Who am I? A qualitative meta-synthesis of Chemotherapy-induced alopecia and body image perception in breast cancer patients

BackgroundSince alopecia may be the first physical evidence and sign of cancer diagnosis and treatment, it may have a more serious and challenging effect on a woman than the loss of breast tissue.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to summarize the current qualitative research which explores the body image perceptions of breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia.Material and methodsWe searched three electronic databases and reviewed studies from December 2011 to December 2021 for qualitative results analysing the experiences of women with breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical (JBI) appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the targeted studies. The Meta-synthesis process developed by Sandelowski and Barroso was used to collect and analyse the data.ResultsWe discovered two main and five sub-themes from the meta-synthesis findings of 11 qualitative studies involving 225 women. The main themes were I am not comfortable in this body and Who am I?. The first main theme revealed patients' intense reactions to their hair loss: I'm in emotional chaos, I am looking for a place to hide and I knew it and now I'm experiencing it.The second main theme of Who am I? contained two sub-themes: What did my hair take from my femininity when it was gone? and Will I lose my partner after my hair?.ConclusionMeta-synthesis provided an up-to-date and integrated interpretation of scientific results about the experiences of women with breast cancer, alopecia, and their body image perceptions. This interpretation will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the alopecia-body image relationship. Thus, the aim of the meta-synthesis results is that these will contribute to nurses' understanding of how alopecia, although a temporary symptom, affects women's perceptions of body image.

Automated summary

This study summarizes the current qualitative research on the body image perceptions of breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The findings show that breast cancer patients experience intense emotional reactions and discomfort with their body image when facing hair loss. The aim of this study is to enhance nurses' understanding of the relationship between alopecia and body image and provide better support for breast cancer patients.